Tinubu Government Withdraws Death Penalty Appeal for Kanu

The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially withdrawn its cross-appeal seeking the death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This decision was disclosed by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who stated that the government had communicated its intention not to pursue the appeal that aimed to replace Kanu's life sentence with capital punishment.

Kanu was convicted on seven terrorism-related counts by Justice James Omotosho on November 20, 2025, who sentenced him to life imprisonment, rejecting the prosecution's request for the death penalty. The judge emphasized the need to "temper justice with mercy," citing international opposition to capital punishment.

Kanu's legal team is challenging the conviction at the Court of Appeal, while the Federal Government had previously contested the life sentence imposed by the trial court. IPOB's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, indicated that the government's actions raised questions about the trial court's jurisdiction.